Temperatures

Warmer-than-average spring temperatures reduce upper Colorado River flows more than previously recognized, according to a new report from a University of Arizona-led team. Although climate models have suggested that spring temperatures affect stream flow, this study is the first to examine the instrumental historical record to see if a temperature effect could be detected, said lead author

According to a new study by scientists at Stanford University, the tropics and much of the Northern Hemisphere are likely to experience an irreversible rise in summer temperatures within the next 20 to 60 years if atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations continue to increase.

December 2009 registered as the all-time record low for temperatures in more than 100 years of data. La Plata Electric Association, one of our local energy providers, keeps track of temperatures and reports that December was 15 percent colder than the previous year. In addition to frigid degrees, southwest Colorado has seen above average snowfall in the lower regions.